ConsumerLab points out irony of heparin contamination with chondroitin; calls for better testing.

Dr. William Obermeyer, Vice President for Research at ConsumerLab.com, provides the following insights and commentary on the adulteration of heparin: "It is ironic that a form of chondroitin sulfate has been implicated in the adulteration of heparin products. Although chondroitin is less than one-quarter the cost of heparin, it is one of the more expensive dietary supplement ingredients. Less than a year ago, we reported that some chondroitin supplements were, themselves, adulterated with look-alike compounds that could trick nonspecific tests. This was most likely done to cut costs." (News release at https://www.consumerlab.com/news/news_041107_jointuspplements.asp.)

Dr. Obermeyer added, "To avoid being tricked by look-alike compounds, ConsumerLab.com utilizes an enzymatic HPLC method that distinguishes chondroitin from similar sulfated compounds, known as glycosaminoglycans, such as heparin. This method is even more specific than the standard pharmaceutical method for heparin testing. Whether it is [for] supplements or pharmaceuticals, it is clear that more specific tests should be used to avoid adulteration and contamination."

Dr. William Obermeyer co-founded ConsumerLab.com in 1999, coming from the US Food and Drug Administration where he was a Natural Products Chemist, guiding research into various natural products and educating the public, academia, and industry on the safety and proper manufacture and testing of dietary supplements. Dr. Obermeyer is an internationally recognized authority on pharmacognosy (the science of natural products) and serves on the Executive Board of the AOAC Technical Division for Reference Materials. Dr. Obermeyer received his PhD from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science. You may contact Dr. Obermeyer directly with questions or requests to arrange an interview at [e-mail] or 410-437-9134.